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CLICK TO READ – Message to Our Customers Regarding COVID-19

Landscape Development celebrates its 40th year anniversary!

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Lead with heart: by CEO Gary Horton

September 3, 2020
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Gary Horton, Landscape Development
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By Landscape Development
Irrigation & Green Industry Poster
Gary Horton Industry Insights

CEO Gary Horton’s recent editorial in Green Industry Magazine

A year most of us have thought we’d never live has dragged on through a long, hot, masked-covered summer — and is now heading into the holiday season.

Halloween? Likely canceled. What a mean trick! Few will go door to door, taking candy from unknown sources. Thanksgiving? Only close family around the table and grandparents will likely stay home alone.

What about Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and all that? This 2020 holiday season is all wrapped up in masks instead of ribbons and bows. It will be quiet at the malls, with no caroling. Church services will likely be socially distanced or even virtual, and shopping will be courtesy of Amazon. The reality of this year’s holidays will be far from Norman Rockwell Christmas imagery.

In what was already a difficult COVID-19 burnout year, we’re now challenged with leading our employees into the holidays, time was often known for anxiety and depression as much as warm, heartfelt cheer.

And this pandemic year, our extremely hard-working employees have first struggled through a truly physically and emotionally taxing time to now face the additional stresses the holidays can sometimes bring.

Your staff may have spouses or mates who’ve lost their jobs. Many may be strapped for cash. Some may have faced evictions, perhaps lost their transportation. Maybe they can’t arrange for distance-learning for their kids as their mates have to work while schools are physically closed.

I’m certain that whatever anxieties you and I have faced as owners or managers, our employees have felt as least as much and likely far more. They are far closer to “hand-to-mouth.” Economic and work disruptions hit immediately and hard. And more and more, there’s less talk of extended economic assistance for those who’ve been COVID-tossed out of work.

I paint a dire picture that I hope I’ve overshot. But overshot or not, COVID-19 anxiety and burnout is real; the economic hurt is real, and holiday emotions will compound on top of all this. Likely, some of this is already happening to your people, your most important assets. The people who make up the very lifeblood of your company may be under significant duress.

Facing a COVID-driven recession, you might be worried about keeping up revenue. Perhaps slowing cash flow has grabbed you by the throat. Yet, while all these are important, your employee enthusiasm, energy, and attitude are what’s going to make it or break it for you in getting through this pandemic recession and out financially healthy to the other side.

Anxious employees react poorly to customer concerns or complaints. Depressed ones push away coworkers and clients. Sick ones cause production and profit loss. During these upcoming holidays and however long COVID-19 continues, your first job as boss is continued employee motivation and connection. This is tough stuff when we’re socially distanced and close communication is impaired. But no matter what, the yoke of employee motivation remains on your neck and on the necks of your leadership team.

Knowing that your people may be facing increased stress or increased economic hardships — what precisely are you going to do about it?

Despite whatever hardships our companies may be facing, this is a year to be more generous than not. More thoughtful than before. More kind. A frozen turkey may have sufficed as “Christmas spirit” in the past, but a chilled bird won’t cut it if the gas has been turned off or a spouse has lost a job.

Raises might be tough, but can you squeeze meaningful bonuses? Personal visits might be off-limits, but can you find time to write gracious letters to each of your staff? Can you have your leadership do the same for their own reports? Can you chart out your path forward for the next two, three years, and share this with your whole team, creating a sense of security during insecure times?

Of all years gone by, this is the holiday season to lead thoughtfully, communicatively, personally, and generously. Your “most important assets” will surely appreciate all your best efforts.

We’re often known for our leadership when times are toughest for our employees. ‘Tis the season to lead — with a heart.

Gary Horton, MBA, is CEO of Landscape Development Inc., a green industry leader for over 35 years with offices throughout California and Nevada.

This article is from Irrigation and Green Industry Magazine
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When it comes to large scale landscape constructio When it comes to large scale landscape construction, Landscape Development is the name to trust. Our experienced team has the expertise to handle projects of all sizes, from commercial properties to public parks. Let us help you create the outdoor space of your dreams!
Your landscape could look this good. We at LDI wan Your landscape could look this good. We at LDI want to bring your dream landscape to life! With expertise and high standards, we believe no task is too big for our experienced team. We are dedicated to customer focus, paying attention to every detail to give you peace of mind.
AT LDI, we are experts in implementing fire preven AT LDI, we are experts in implementing fire prevention practices, such as regularly mowing and trimming grass, clearing dead leaves and debris, and removing dry brush. Other strategies we employ include the use of fire-resistant plants, and creating fire breaks such as gravel paths or driveways. Our goal is to create a defensible space around buildings to reduce the risk of fires spreading, giving you peace of mind.
As a developer or general contractor, teaming up w As a developer or general contractor, teaming up with an experienced landscape contractor is crucial for successful construction projects, as this partnership offers numerous benefits to complement construction expertise and ensure project excellence. LDI offers peace of mind in a variety of ways, including seamless project integration, enhanced aesthetics and functionality, specialized equipment and resources, expert plant selection, collaboration and communication.
We understand the unique challenges of providing t We understand the unique challenges of providing top-quality service and value to homeowners associations. Landscaping and amenities bring value and enjoyment to residents, family and friends. We ensure these assets are maintained, enjoyable and safe – protecting this critical investment. We are dedicated to enhancing your site, making it grow to become more valuable, beautiful, and livable – now and for the future.
When it comes to large scale landscape constructio When it comes to large scale landscape construction, Landscape Development is the name to trust. Our experienced team has the expertise to handle projects of all sizes, from commercial properties to public parks. Let us help you create the outdoor space of your dreams!
Our industry-best construction team is dedicated t Our industry-best construction team is dedicated to building your project efficiently and safely. At Landscape Development, we believe construction demands superior workmanship to provide customers with the best quality builds. Our project managers inspect your job regularly, keeping you in control with comprehensive documentation.
Landscape Development is dedicated to making our c Landscape Development is dedicated to making our clients landscaping wonderful. Our commitment to construction projects with superior workmanship is commendable and speaks to the high standards our company upholds. Providing our clients with peace of mind.
Wishing you a well-deserved day of rest and relaxa Wishing you a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation. Your hard work and dedication make everything possible. Enjoy this special day!
We’ve planned our success to help build yours. W We’ve planned our success to help build yours. We’re large enough to service all your needs while our committed customer focus looks after the fine details. Everyone at Landscape Development, Inc. is trained to put you first. We hire the best people, implement the finest systems, and enforce superior practices to ensure we exceed your expectations for quality, creativity, safety, and service. We succeed only when you do giving you peace of mind.
It's often hard to find a balance between your bud It's often hard to find a balance between your budget and your dream landscape. At LDI, our landscape experts craft budget-compliant concepts. With a robust knowledge of landscaping plants and materials, we take your requirements and find creative solutions. We will work tirelessly to strike the perfect balance and bring you peace of mind. You deserve a landscape design that meets your budgetary needs, without compromising your design criteria!
Here at LDI, we believe that charity work is incre Here at LDI, we believe that charity work is incredibly important for building strong and supportive communities. It helps those in need, builds empathy and compassion, and promotes community involvement. We believe being a part of charity work is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. We are dedicated to donating funds and sponsoring events and programs that support those in need. We encourage our employees to serve in the community, and we hope to inspire others to give back!
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Lead with heart: by CEO Gary Horton - Landscape Development Incorporated